Egypt and Sudan Welcome Former President Trump's Offer to Restart Nile Dam Mediation

Trump Offers to Restart Mediation Efforts

Former US President Donald Trump has offered to restart mediation efforts between Egypt and Ethiopia to resolve the protracted dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The offer was conveyed in a letter dated January 16, 2026, addressed to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. In his correspondence, Trump stated, 'I am ready to restart U.S. mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia to responsibly resolve the question of 'The Nile Water Sharing' once and for all.'

This initiative marks a potential return of US diplomatic engagement in a conflict where previous Washington-led mediations, initiated during Trump's first term, effectively collapsed in 2020 after Ethiopia withdrew from talks. Discussions have since continued under the African Union, but a comprehensive settlement has remained elusive.

Egypt and Sudan Express Support

Both Egypt and Sudan have promptly welcomed former President Trump's offer. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed his appreciation for Trump's attention to the 'central importance of the Nile River issue for Egypt.' He reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to 'serious and constructive cooperation with the Nile Basin countries, based on the principles of international law, in a manner that achieves shared interests without causing harm to any party.' President el-Sisi also indicated that he had sent a reply to Trump, conveying his thanks and appreciation, and reiterating Egypt's position on water security.

In Sudan, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, chairman of the ruling Sovereign Council, hailed Trump's initiative. He described it as a step 'to find sustainable and satisfactory solutions that preserve everyone's rights.' As of the latest reports, there has been no immediate comment from Ethiopia regarding the renewed mediation offer.

Background of the GERD Dispute

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa's largest hydroelectric project, was formally inaugurated in September 2025. Located on the Blue Nile near Ethiopia's border with Sudan, the dam is designed to produce over 5,000 megawatts of electricity, a capacity intended to double Ethiopia's power generation.

However, the dam has been a significant source of tension among the three nations. Egypt, which relies on the Nile for over 90% of its freshwater, views the GERD as an 'existential threat' that could drastically reduce its vital water supply. Sudan, positioned downstream, has raised concerns about the dam's operation and the potential impact of its replenishment on its own dams and irrigation systems. While Ethiopia views the dam as crucial for its economic development and energy independence, Cairo and Khartoum continue to advocate for a legally binding agreement on the dam's filling and operation, a stance that Addis Ababa has resisted, preferring guidelines instead.